Motorcoach

Premier Alaska Tours adds 2 Prevost H3-45s

Premier Alaska Tours took possession of two new 2013 Prevost H3-45 coaches in July, part of a major push to expand and upgrade its sizeable fleet.

When the ambitious plan is completed, the Anchorage-based company will have more than 50 Prevosts in its stable of 75 motorcoaches and support vehicles. The operation will be used primarily for tours of “the Great Land,” which Premier Alaska Tours runs year-round in conjunction with tour operators in the Lower 48.

The company also provides some charter or scheduled service, primarily to transport workers traveling between North Slope mining, pipeline and oil facilities, the so-called “man camps” where they reside, and other parts of the vast state.

Premier Alaska Tours, founded in 1995, is owned by Peter Grunwaldt and Tim Worthen. Its staff of 30 full time employees grows to over 200 during the busy season as travelers come from all over the world to witness the mystery, spectacle and color of this unique state.

The groups urged planners to add parking near the National Mall for the millions of people who will visit by bus and car over the next several months, kicking off with the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

In their meetings, UMA members shared information about their own businesses and rallied for backing of three critical needs: opposition of FMCSA's proposal to raise the Federal financial responsibility limits, support of Rep. Barletta's proposal to remove CSA scores from public view until the data used to calculate the score can be improved, and support to preserve the current charter service rule.

State police said the driver did not speak or understand English and did not know he was supposed to stop in Richmond, Va. The driver was reportedly dragged out of his chair, while the bus was swerving in and out of lanes for a half mile or so.